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The The 1980’s1980’s

The 1980’s – a new generation was brought up on television and video images.

If the 70’s were about relaxing and having fun, the 80’s were about moving forward. Our country saw a great deal of change in this decade, and, as we learned before, the music was right at the heart of the action.

An all-new television station that only played “music videos” was started. MTV premiered with the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.”

MTV changed music forever. Now more than ever, the image of the musician was as important as their musical talent.

In the 1980 Olympics, the American hockey team (which did NOT feature any NHL players) beat the Russians to win the Gold Medal in Lake Placid, New York.

Things were looking good for America.

Americans had rallied together to see the release of the 53 Americans who had been held hostage in Iran in 1979.

April 12, 1981

Americans saw a renewed interest in space exploration with the launch of Space Shuttle Columbia, the first reusable spacecraft.

There was even a Cowboy in the White House.

Ronald Reagan’s former career as a Hollywood actor made him comfortable in front of the camera.

His cowboy image, backed up with tough talk and the biggest peacetime military buildup since World War II, helped to bolster a renewed sense of Patriotism.

Reagan enjoyed one of the highest approval ratings of any President.

Bruce Springsteen, a gritty singer from New Jersey, had been a popular singer for several years.

But his career exploded in the early 80’s when “Born in the USA” was released.

The song became an anthem for blue collar America, and Springsteen became a working class hero.

The Pride that Americans were feeling left them rooting for the little guy. In some

cases, the REALLY little guy.

A young Drew Barrymore with…

E.T. left everyone wanting to help him “phone home,” and eat Reeses’ Pieces.

His collaboration with Steven Spielberg and other movie directors has resulted in such memorable films (and film

music) as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, JAWS, Harry Potter,

Jurassic Park, Superman, Home Alone, and about 100 other movies and shows.

The music of American composer John Williams

was a major part in bringing the E.T. story

to life.

During the 80’s, the Cold War heated up. The Cold War was a period of East-West nuclear competition,

tension, and conflict. Reagan denounced the

Soviet leaders as scoundrels who lied,

cheated, and stole in order to advance the cause of

communism.

Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev

Reagan also referred to the Soviet Union as “The Evil Empire.” In 1982, he promised to reduce the Soviet-style

communism to the "ash heap of history."

The Band Genesis, led by Phil Collins, expressed the fear and confusion of all Americans in the video “Land

of Confusion.”

During the 80’s, we saw that music became increasingly more visual as MTV and music videos were slowly taking the place of radio. But our society was also becoming more visually oriented in other ways as well.

Whether at work…….

This is a standard desktop computer in the 80’s.

…….or at play.

Anyone know this video game console? The music for these games was awful and repetitive.

Space Shuttle missions were very visual too, but they were becoming commonplace and people were losing interest. To promote their

program , NASA decided to allow a civilian to go on a space mission. Who would be the first civilian to go into space? NASA decided that a

teacher would be the best candidate, and so, after sorting through many applications, NASA picked school teacher Christa McAuliffe.

The teachers that were rejected by NASA received a letter like this. This belongs to the father of one of my student teachers.

He was rather upset he wasn’t picked to go into space.

However, later on, Mr. Matrisch was thankful that he wasn’t selected.

Excerpt from Poem “Under a Clear Blue Sky”

Author: Unknown

Song: “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel

A scene from out of a nightmare... A pillar of smoke reaching to the heavens.

Expressions of shock and disbelief on the faces of onlookers.

Stunned silence from officials and controllers.

All eyes riveted upon images of death and destruction.

Images.

Repeated.

Over.

And over.

Involuntary prayers follow the smoke on its upward climb,

seeking to protect the souls borne heavenward on its billows.

Our pride. Our confidence. Our humanity.

Shattered.

In a moment.

In the twinkling of an eye.

Tuesday... under a clear blue sky.

The day the Challenger fell.

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on Jan. 28, 1986, just seconds after take off, killing all seven crew members.

The teachers that were rejected by NASA received a letter like this.

Billy Joel, a popular artist of the 70’s, became stronger than ever when he hit the top of the charts with We Didn’t Start the Fire.

Generation “X” (25 to 40 year-olds) had been receiving slack from the older and younger generations for all of the problems that had arisen

in the 80’s, but Billy Joel points out in this song that all kinds of problems were around before we were born.

Throughout the 80’s, Reagan and Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev clearly came to respect, and even

like one another. They held a series of summit meetings, eventually leading to a huge arms

reduction treaty. What does arms reduction mean?

Reagan demanded “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall,” referring to the Berlin Wall, long a symbol of the struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

In perhaps the best acting performance of his lifetime,

Reagan proposed a satellite – laser missile defense system, immediately dubbed “Star

Wars”.

He may even have convinced the Soviets that

it was not only possible, but actually already up in

space.

In 1989, the Berlin Wall came crashing down, and the Soviet Union itself wasn’t far behind.

Madonna began with aspirations to be a ballerina. "Borderline" became her first Top 10 hit in March of 1984, beginning a remarkable string of 17 consecutive Top 10 hits. Madonna began working on her first starring role in a feature film, Susan Seidelman's Desperately Seeking

Susan.

Madonna's second album, Like a Virgin, started a frenzy in the United States, fueled by a slew of sexy videos and

scores of young teens mimicking her style. Her image exploded, selling millions of records on the

back of hits like, "Material Girl."

There were There were several several musical musical

movements movements in the 80’s, in the 80’s,

but but New New WaveWave was was

probably the probably the most most

popular.popular.

New New WaveWave Flock of Seagulls

New New WaveWave

Throughout the 80’s, this band was huge. Their

songs were in the Top 10 around the world. When

they performed on Saturday Night Live, they were

mobbed by fans outside and a police riot squad had to control the crowd. They performed on MTV’s first New Year’s Bash. Their

theme song to James Bond film “A View to a Kill” was the first ever to reach #1.

New New WaveWave

Duran Duran always had sold-out crowds on each major US arena tour. They were the first

act to utilize live video cameras and screens in their shows. The hysteria reached "Beatle

mania" proportions. They broke every existing merchandise record. Princess Diana had

declared them her favorite band.

(yes, he’s (yes, he’s really a really a

boy)boy)

Led by the very Led by the very colorful Boy George, colorful Boy George, this New Wave band this New Wave band

hit the top of the hit the top of the charts with “Do You charts with “Do You Really Want to Hurt Really Want to Hurt

Me,” “Karma Me,” “Karma Chameleon,” and “I’ll Chameleon,” and “I’ll

Tumble 4 Ya.”Tumble 4 Ya.”

New New WaveWave

Her first solo album, She's So Unusual, was released and went on to sell more than 4.5 million copies in the United States alone.

Moreover, the album was the first of a

female artist to score four Top Five singles from a debut album: Girls Just Want To

Have Fun, Time After Time, She Bop and All Through The Night.

New New WaveWaveCindy LauperCindy Lauper

During the late 80’s these boys were not as much a

musical group as a cultural phenomena. Pre-teen girls screamed and went wild

when the group performed or made public

appearances. Serious music lovers mocked them, but their records sold by the millions. They helped pave the way for other boy bands like Backstreet Boys and ‘N

Sync.

New New WaveWave

From Athens, GA, this group had eclectic quirky grooves and charismatic vocals. “Rock Lobster,” and “Love Shack” are the tunes that made them pop superstars. Their live shows were high octane, theatrical music extravaganzas.

New New WaveWave

End of Part End of Part 11


Part 2Part 2


With images and music now forever tied together, it was only a matter of time until the music was exploited to sell

products.

The Cola Wars are a good example of how musicians and their music are used to persuade our purchasing choices.

Here is Michael Jackson using his image, music, and dance moves to endorse Pepsi products. The little boy is Alfonso Ribeiro, better known as Carlton

Banks on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air TV show.

The self-titled "King of Pop," Michael Jackson has led a troubled and controversial private life while releasing a string of hit albums,

including Thriller, currently the most

popular record of all time with total sales of 46 million. This song you are listening to is called “Beat It.” Make a note of it because it

will be on your listening test.

Jackson became a media icon thanks to

his trademarks: stunning break-dancing moves (especially the

"Moonwalk"), a shy, girlish voice, a single white sequined glove, sunglasses, and untied

shoe laces.

Thriller spent 37 weeks at No. 1 and

sold 24 million copies (at the time),

spinning off MTV hits like "Beat It" and "Billy Jean,"

and the title single, which was

accompanied by an innovative video which was also

released in movie theaters.

Thriller Video

Metal is a type of music that was started here in the U.S.A. in late 70’s. There are many different kinds of metal, including heavy

metal, progressive metal, gothic metal, death metal, and many other kinds. Most of it was too fast and furious for young audiences, but

Glam metal is how metal made it to MTV in the mid-80's..

Glam MetalGlam Metal

Bands were donning spandex pants, makeup, and using tons of hair spray to get the “big hair” look.

This band was glam at it’s best (or worst). They are known for “Nothin’ But a Good Time” and “Every

Rose has it’s Thorn.”


This band, with Tommy Lee as drummer, was the epitome of the sleazy L.A. club scene in the early 80’s.


This British band became known for proudly displaying their flag on their clothing. The

drummer only has one arm.

HARDRHARDROCKOCK

Led by the growling vocals

of James Hetfield, this

band released their first

album, Kill ‘Em All, in 1983.

They received a great deal of opposition for taking Napster (illegal music pirating) to court and

winning. You are now hearing, Enter Sandman.

HARDRHARDROCKOCK

Led by Axl Rose and Slash, these guys rocked the 80’s with Welcome to the Jungle,

Paradise City, and Sweet Child of Mine.

HARDRHARDROCKOCK

With 5 successful albums in a row, this rocker was “wanted dead or alive.” They were one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980's, and one of the few pop-metal groups to maintain their popularity into the 90's.

HARDRHARDROCKOCK Bon

Jovi

HARDRHARDROCKOCK

Originally, Jon Bongiovi worked as a janitor in his

cousin Tony's New York City

recording studio, The Power Station.

This song Wanted Dead or Alive shows how hard “life on the road” can be.

Jon Bon Jovi has also acted in a

number of motion picture

films.

This artist’s musical styles have been

compared to James Brown, Jackie

Wilson and other r&b heavy weights, but as his career grew, he became a legend

on his own merit with a knack for

delivering funk, rock and soul with an

occasional pop feel.

HARDRHARDROCKOCK Pri

ncePrince Roger Nelson taught

himself how to play many

instruments and self-produced

his first LP, called For

You.

HARDRHARDROCKOCK Pri

ncePrince has amassed 11 #1 hits and 22 Top

10 hits on the pop charts. Prince

released a string of LP’s throughout the

80’s and into the 90’s, in addition to touring,

writing and producing for other

artists and starring in a few movies.

Indisputably one of the most popular rock acts in the world, this Irish quartet's achievements since the late 70’s have been extraordinary. Led by the remarkable and peculiar, Bono, this band has performed at sold out arenas across the globe and still continues to perform.Their songs are full of religious and political messages. Each of the 8 albums they released in the 80’s reached platinum.

HARD ROCKHARD ROCK

There were quite a few hard-rocking females in

the 80’s. This one is famous for “I Love Rock-n-Roll” and

“Crimson and Clover.”

HARDRHARDROCKOCK

Joan Jett and

The Blackhearts

Because image was important in the 80’s, this all girl band became instantly popular due to their good looks. This is one of

their most famous songs called Walk Like an Egyptian.

ROCKing femalesROCKing females

Bangles

The

Mr. Broad eventually changed his name to Idol. A school

teacher had returned a paper proclaiming him "idle" in class; he then twisted the word into a

parody of rock idols.

PunkPunk

Billy Idol

Born William Broad, thispunk rocker hit stardom in the 80’s. He is known for his spiky blond hair,

crooked sneer, and leather goods.

Their 1986 album “Raising Hell” became the highest-selling rap album in history. The album featured a rap-rock collaboration performed with the band Aerosmith. The song, “Walk this

way,” was the first hip-hop track to make the Top 10. The group set new fad trends by performing dressed in

tight leather pants and jackets, Adidas sneakers, fedora hats, and huge chains around their necks.

RAP RAP && Hip-hopHip-hop

Run DMC

Run-DMC became the first rap act with a platinum album and multi-platinum album, as well as the first rappers to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and to receive a Grammy

nomination.

Led by rappers Chuck D and Flavor Flav, this group had a message that

addressed black youth. They revolutionized the rap world with their

political, social and cultural consciousness and made extended

world tours. Like Run DMC, they also collaborated with a rock group, the

thrash metal band “Anthrax.” It introduced an alien style of music to

rock fans, and the two seemingly contrasting groups even toured

together.

Public Enemy


P.E. brought in elements of free jazz, hard funk, and environmental sounds,

via their producing team, the Bomb Squad, creating a dense, ferocious sound unlike anything that came

before.

This pop rapper grew up in the ghetto, where his religious family

often struggled to make ends meet. His attention-getting sideline

dances as ball-boy for the Oakland A’s drew praise from the team, who

encouraged him to go into entertainment.

MC Hammer


MC Hammer’s 1988 debut, Let's Get It Started, paved the way for his

massive breakthrough effort, Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em, which

sold millions of copies making him the most popular hip-hop artist of

the time. His elaborate dance moves have been compared to

Michael Jackson’s.

They started out as a hardcore punk rock group in 1979, but then switched to hip-hop and released their debut album, Licensed to Ill in 1986. They're well-known for their eclecticism, flippant attitude

toward interviews, obscure cultural references, cheesy lyrics,

and performing in outlandish matching suits.

Beastie Boys


The Beastie Boys are one of the longest-lived hip-hop acts. In 2007, they were nominated for induction

into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Peter Gabriel, the lead singer of the

band, Genesis, went solo in the 80’s. His videos won

awards for creativity.

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